You can definitely eat pineapple guavas! These delightful little fruits are not only edible, but they are also quite delicious. Pineapple guavas, also known as Feijoas or Acca sellowiana, are small green or yellowish-green fruits that are native to South America. They are about the size of an egg or slightly smaller, and they have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of pineapple, guava, and strawberry.
When it comes to harvesting pineapple guavas, timing is key. The fruits typically appear on the shrub in the fall, and they are ready to be picked when they drop off the plant. This natural indication of ripeness ensures that you are harvesting the fruit at its peak flavor. It’s important to note that pineapple guavas do not continue to ripen once they are picked, so it’s best to wait until they are fully mature before harvesting.
To enjoy pineapple guavas, all you need to do is cut the fruit in half and scoop out the fleshy insides with a spoon. The skin of the fruit is tough and not typically eaten, so it’s best to discard it. The flesh of the fruit is soft and creamy, with a fruity-sweet flavor that has a little tanginess to it. It’s a delightful combination that is sure to please your taste buds.
What’s great about pineapple guavas is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can simply eat the fruit as is, or you can incorporate it into a variety of sweet or savory dishes. The flesh of the fruit can be used in smoothies, fruit salads, jams, jellies, and even baked goods like pies and cakes. Some people also enjoy adding pineapple guava slices to salads or using them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
In addition to their delicious flavor, pineapple guavas also offer some nutritional benefits. They are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Vitamin C is important for immune health and collagen production, while fiber aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. So, not only are pineapple guavas tasty, but they also provide some nutritional value.
In my personal experience, I have grown pineapple guava shrubs in my own garden. It’s always a joy to see the fruits develop and ripen over the course of the fall season. Harvesting the ripe fruits and enjoying their unique flavor is a true delight. I have used pineapple guavas in various recipes, including smoothies and fruit salads, and they always add a burst of tropical sweetness. It’s a wonderful fruit to have in your garden, both for its ornamental value and its edible fruits.
To summarize, pineapple guavas are indeed edible fruits that offer a delightful fruity-sweet-with-a-little-tang flavor. They can be enjoyed by simply cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the fleshy insides with a spoon. The fruits ripen in the fall and are ready to be picked when they drop off the shrub. Pineapple guavas can be used in a variety of dishes, from smoothies to baked goods, and they also provide some nutritional benefits. Growing pineapple guava shrubs in your garden can be a rewarding experience, both visually and gastronomically. So, go ahead and give pineapple guavas a try – you won’t be disappointed!
